Computed tomography of the head

Computed tomography of the head
Computed tomography of human brain, from base of the skull to top. Taken with intravenous contrast medium.
(Scrollable version is available)
ICD-9-CM87.03
OPS-301 code3-200, 3-220

Computed tomography of the head uses a series of X-rays in a CT scan of the head taken from many different directions; the resulting data is transformed into a series of cross sections of the brain using a computer program.[1] CT images of the head are used to investigate and diagnose brain injuries and other neurological conditions, as well as other conditions involving the skull or sinuses; it used to guide some brain surgery procedures as well.[2] CT scans expose the person getting them to ionizing radiation which has a risk of eventually causing cancer; some people have allergic reactions to contrast agents that are used in some CT procedures.[2]

  1. ^ "Computed Tomography (CT)". National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering. 15 May 2013. Retrieved 21 November 2018.
  2. ^ a b "Head CT (Computed Tomography, CAT scan)". Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) and American College of Radiology. June 22, 2018.